When it comes to football video games, nothing becomes synonymous with the genre as much as Electronic Arts’ Madden series. Every year the franchise seems to one-up its previous rendition, and Madden NFL 10 is no different. This is perhaps the finest football game produced for consoles yet, and it shows -- the realism EA has strove for with Madden NFL 10 is evident and in all of its high-definition glory. And it isn’t just the crystal-clear graphics and stadium environments that are impressive; it’s the introduction of new gameplay aspects, such as the PRO-TAK Animation System, a sophisticated and entertaining gang tackle feature that lets defenders pile on the rusher as offensive players push forward for every last inch. And that’s just one of the many (and vast) improvements and introductions that EA has packed into this game to produce the closest experience one can get without actually playing running back or wide receiver.

With the sheer number of improvements to make this the most realistic Madden game ever, EA has almost perfectly recreated the Sunday afternoon football experience. As a point of reference, friends of ours saw this game on the television and wondered why the Patriots were playing football at this time of year (let alone losing to the Browns). The cut-scenes, the excellent play-by-play and the photo-realistic halftime replays are all part and parcel of recreating the real football experience. And with new on-field elements that also includes a “Fight for the Fumble” pileup minigame, and off-kilter shotgun snaps, field goal attempts, and weather conditions, you get superb franchise modes for building your NFL dynasty or raising a budding NFL rookie through the ranks to become a star, with heavy attention to management detail (including salary caps, contracts and NCAA drafting).

Casual fans and hardcore football gamers alike can rejoice in EA’s masterpiece and, despite a few graphical texturing issues and slightly difficult controls (especially on the snap), players can jump right in to the fast-paced NFL action without requiring a John Madden-esque knowledge of football strategy.

Bar none, Madden NFL 10 is an absolute blast when you’re playing with friends or online. For the casual gamers, playing against your friends and trying to figure out their formations and responding appropriately is always a hoot, and the mid-air tackles, pileup systems and “ball juggling” when trying to catch the football in a crowd drives home the multiplayer fun factor. Online Franchise mode is a hoot as well, but you’d be hard-pressed to get 31 other friends to take it seriously. Instead, stick with the offline multiplayer or online co-op modes and focus on the gameplay. It’s easily the best part of the game, and will surely keep even the most anti-football fans satisfied. This is a title that can’t be missed for a game night with your buddies.